My husband (I signed him up for this forum) had an open bowel resection on April 8th, 2010. It was started lap but they found much more damage than anticipated and had to open him up, removing 2 feelt of the sigmoid and descending colon. He had developed a fistula with his bladder and had to large abscess. The surgery was much longer than they anticipated. They were able to connect, so no bag, which is the one thing he was most worried about. After two days, he was having bowel movements, not passing gas, actual BM! It was crazy. The gas took three days to pass, so uncomfortable for him. This surgery was a real blessing, he went misdiagnosed for four monthes, taking many antibiotics that he didn't need. So he had a terrible infection in his abdomen, they still are not sure it's all gone, and have no way of knowing....we just have to watch for the classic signs, fever, increasing pain etc... They had concern with one area and took staples out only to have normal drainage, now i have to pack it. There is another red/pink area we are watching and will probably need a few more staples popped out for drainage.
Here are some questions I have, so That I can be an encouragement to him!!
What are some realistic goals for him to look forward to? He's not one to sit still, He's only 9 days post surg. and if he could he'd be mowing the lawn!! He's doing good with pain management, has only taken one percocet for pain. seems to respond to naproxen and sometimes tylenol.
Thank you in advance for any and all input!!!
Jennifer (wife)
